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Hello friends, I am Zakir, a casual writer and blogger who writes about brain health, memory, and healthy living. This article is specially created for my friends who are living in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, where busy careers, long work hours, and the stress of modern living can affect memory. Today, I will share my own thoughts, experiences, and simple explanations on how episodic memory can be affected.
How can episodic memory be affected?
What can be done to improve episodic memory? This is a question that crosses the mind of many, particularly the people who are busy in life. New experiences are added to us day by day, and we are unable to recollect them. The formation of these memories is significantly contributed to by a small part of the brain, which is called the hippocampus. But it is worn out through stress, sleeplessness, and old age. I have observed that in cases of poor amount of sleep or too much stress, it is evident to what extent episodic memory can be impaired.
What is episodic memory? (Short, simple definition)
The memory of personal experiences and definite events is our episodic memory. E.g., what we discussed last week during our coffee with a friend, what we have eaten, and what the weather was. It is not similar to general knowledge (semantic memory). It is this memory that makes our lives meaningful.
Common factors that affect episodic memory
The main reasons why episodic memory can be affected are:
Insufficient sleep: Without 7- 8 hours of sleep at night, the hippocampus is unable to create new memories. Most individuals work throughout the night and therefore lose track of the proceedings of the following morning.
Chronic stress: Excessive amounts of the hormone cortisol destroy the cells of the hippocampus. Good examples of the influence of episodic memory include traffic jams, work stress (the New York hustle and bustle or London) and deadlines in the modern urban environment.
Ageing: The hippocampus atrophies post 50.
Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of omega-3, vitamins B12, D, and antioxidants increase brain inflammation.
Mental overload (multitasking): Phone, computer, multiple tabs — all of which overload the brain.
Signs that your episodic memory may be affected
- Forgetting recent events
- Not remembering important parts of a conversation
- Brain fog — difficulty thinking, slow decision-making
For more details, read my previous articles Brain Fog, Sleep and memory article.
How lifestyle habits support episodic memory
New neurons are formed as a result of regular walking or yoga. Good sleep preserves memory. Meditation reduces stress. Discussing with relatives or friends enhances episodic memory. I exercise 30 minutes a day, and I sleep at 11 pm -I got results.
Nutritional support for memory health
Consume fish (salmon, mackerel), nuts, berries, vegetables and eggs. The omega-3 fatty acids are highly recognised to support normal brain functioning and aid in a healthy brain environment.
Many readers choose high-quality Omega-3 Fish Oil supplements, rich in DHA and EPA, as part of their daily brain-health routine. Brands like NeuroPrime – a brain health support supplement are commonly used by people looking to support focus and memory naturally.
This is not a medical claim. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
When to seek professional advice
In case the symptoms disrupt everyday life, then forget the same events over several times, or family members observe it, consult a neurologist or a specialist in memory. Safety is paramount.
By understanding how episodic memory can be affected, we can easily make small changes to our habits to keep our brains healthy. Share your experiences in the comments. Stay healthy, keep your memories rich!
[This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice]
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